A US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, takes off from the Burlington International Airport, South Burlington, early morning December 8, 2016. Airmen from the 158th and a squadron of F-16s from the 134th are deploying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (US Air National Guard photos by Tech Sgt Sarah Mattison)
Vermont Business Magazine Airmen and aircraft from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing are deploying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. A squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 134th Fighter Squadron and approximately 300 Airmen from the Wing are en route to the US Central Command area of responsibility. The deployment began Wednesday afternoon. While deployed, the squadron will be flying combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to degrade and destroy Da'esh. Due to evolving mission requirements in Iraq and Syria, and as forces rotate throughout the AOR, this squadron will provide precision air-to-ground attack capabilities to support operations against Da'esh in Iraq and Syria (Da'esh is also known as ISIS, ISIL, or IS).
Vermont National Guard senior leadership and Vermont government officials thank Airmen, assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, as they board an aircraft at the Burlington International Airport, South Burlington, Vt., Dec. 7, 2016. To the right is Governor-elect Phil Scott and to his right is General Steven Cray.
"The men and women of the Vermont Air National Guard have shown how well they are trained, prepared, and ready whenever the State or the Nation calls on us. It is no small feat to send approximately 300 Airmen on a deployment with such short notice and is a testament to the hard work of these men and women. This is also a testament to the strength of our military family, who no doubt have heavy hearts due to a deployment over the holiday season, but they are there to support all of us," said Maj. Gen. Steven A. Cray, the adjutant general, Vermont National Guard.
An Airman prepared for deployment at the ceremony Wednesday.
"I am proud of the men and women of the 158th Fighter Wing. We are volunteers with a unique capability and were asked to do something on behalf of this great Nation," said Col. Patrick Guinee, commander, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard. This deployment demonstrates the United States' continued, long-term commitment to the region and the Air Force's flexibility to meet the dynamic requirements of warfighting commanders.
"The Green Mountain Boys have been answering the call to action for the past 241 years. Defending our State and Nation is what we do," said Guinee.
US Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, board an aircraft at the Burlington International Airport.
Source: VTANG 12.8.2016